Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

What are the benefits of psychotherapy?

A.

One of the overarching benefits of therapy is for the patient to gain an inner balance. This type of gain promotes prevention and freedom from suffering.

Q.

I’ve Had Therapy Before, and It Didn’t Help. Why Will This Be Different?

A.

Dr. Lancaster is the Founder of Gnostic Pneumatherapy, the Gnostic-Jungian approach. For this reason, therapy will be different with Dr. Lancaster, besides other factors related to his psycho-spiritual wisdom and practices.

Q.

What is psychotherapy?

A.

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, denotes a professional “talk” relationship between a licensed therapist and a patient. Some say therapy is an experience of being re-parented (e.g., during therapy time, the therapist provides an undoing of what your parents gave you and a giving of what your parents never gave you, psychologically and emotionally). Others might say it’s a 50-50 type of relationship where the therapist and patient collaborate about current life issues and remedies needed for a better bio-psycho-social-emotional-spiritual life.

Q.

What if I am not from California?

A.

Please know that Dr. Lancaster is creating online courses, books, and talks for geographical regions other than California. Besides this, Dr. Lancaster has a license in California. For this reason, he can only see California residents for therapy sessions.

 

And for licensed therapists who want to be certified in Gnostic Pneumatherapy and become a pneumatherapist, Dr. Lancaster will perform the necessary educational training and certification. This training experience is valid across the United States of America to administer Dr. Lancaster’s new psycho-spiritual approach.

Q.

Can therapists administer Gnostic Pneumatherapy?

A.

Dr. Lancaster will train and certify licensed therapists to perform his new psycho-spiritual approach, Gnostic Pneumatherapy.

Q.

What is your location? or Where the therapy takes place?

A.

For Divine Life Therapy (The Home of Gnostic Pneumatherapy), Dr. Joseph Lancaster does therapy sessions per telehealth. These telehealth sessions take place in California, where he’s licensed.

Q.

How do you know if you need professional counseling?

A.

You might need professional counseling if you don’t have the answer to life’s problems. Or, if you need someone to listen to your problems, show emotional support, be non-judgemental, etc., counseling may help. Lastly, you might need counseling if you can’t find the coping skills to manage specific problems, e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.

Q.

Can I get better on my own?

A.

It would be best if you had proper guidance to be most successful.

Q.

Why do I need psychotherapy?

A.

Therapy is essential to treat a person’s bio-psycho-social-emotional-behavioral-spiritual issues or needs.

Q.

Is therapy a good investment for me?

A.

Our life’s purpose is to be conscious, and that’s a lifetime investment.

Q.

Does Psychotherapy really work?

A.

Yes! It works well if the patient is responsible: comes to scheduled sessions, does homework, shows respect, listens, asks questions, and becomes a good team member. As for the therapist, they will be effective through their stable presence, listening, questions, wisdom, administration of therapeutic practices, emotional support, safety, and so much more.

Q.

Is therapy also for healthy people?

A.

Let’s ask: “Who, most respectfully, is 100% healthy at all levels of their being?” We know the answer, so let’s say many people of variety can benefit from therapy.

Q.

How will you know if someone is the right therapist for you?

A.

Our feelings often influence us. Feelings guide a person’s decision to stay with a therapist or not. But, let’s not forget the importance of expressing any negative feelings or desires to your therapist for adjustments to be made. When this happens, that’s good therapy because it builds rapport—for the therapeutic relationship! Overall, no one is ever obligated to stay with a particular counselor. Referrals can happen.

Q.

What can I expect during the first session? What will I do in therapy?

A.

The first session of therapy is called an intake. At this time, the therapist will ask you many questions to get to know you. Those questions will dip into the history of your family of origin, current issues, your safety, symptoms, causes, medications, etc. So, answer the questions openly and honestly. Also, whatever is important to you is to be brought up and discussed with the professional therapist.

Q.

How often do I come to therapy?

A.

Therapy sessions can happen once a week, twice a month, or once a month.

Q.

How long do I need to go to therapy?

A.

The length of therapy depends on one’s need and commitment to treatment. For example, some people just come to a few sessions, whereas others come to therapy for years. However, based on theory and need, the patient will ultimately decide how long their treatment will last.

Q.

How does the patient get the most out of a therapy session?

A.

The patient needs to be responsible. For example, the patient must responsibly attend scheduled therapy appointments, follow recommendations, and do any homework assigned.

Q.

What insurance do you accept?

A.

Currently Accepting:

 

-Blue Shield of CA
-UMR
-UHC
-UnitedHealthcare
-United Behavioral Health
-Optum Health
-Medicare
-Magellan
-Cigna
-TriWest
-TRICARE
-Healthsmart plans
– EAP
-& more….

Q.

What is group therapy?

A.

-Dr. Lancaster would like to see you at least once for an intake session before joining group therapy.
-With the group members, Dr. Lancaster treats many problems in group therapy, like depression, anxiety, social phobia, grief and loss, personality disorders, anger, and communication problems.
-Group therapy is for those who want to feel respected and listened to, receive support from others, or feel like they belong.

Q.

What is your fee?

A.

$170 for an hourly session

Q.

I want a free consultation.

A.

Dr. Lancaster can provide a free 15-minute consultation for appropriate or potentially suitable candidates for his therapeutic services. For more information, please call or text the front office at (818) 877-4647.

Q.

What happens during the free 15-minute consultation call?

A.

Besides an personal introduction, Dr. Lancaster will listen and quickly assess your issues and need. You will be given insight and recommendations.

Q.

What hours are you open?

A.

Monday through Friday; 9 am to 5 pm PST

Q.

Do you accept insurance?

A.

Yes. Please call or text the office at (818) 877-4647 or send us an email at frontoffice@divinelifetherapy.com.

Q.

What if I Do Not Wish to Use Insurance?

A.

Please call or text us at (818) 877-4647 or send us an email at frontoffice@divinelifetherapy.com.

Q.

When is the earliest I can see you?

A.

Dr. Lancaster can usually be seen in 1-2 weeks or sooner; when there is a cancellation. We will check the schedule for you; please call or text us at (818) 877-4647. You can even email us at frontoffice@divinelifetherapy.com.

Q.

How can I reach you?

A.

Call and text : (818) 877-4647 or email frontoffice@divinelifetherapy.com

Q.

How soon could I get a response?

A.

You’ll get a response immediately, the same day, or the next day. Whatever the case, don’t hesitate to contact us again if you do not get a response within 12 hours. We will do our best to prevent any inconvenience.

Q.

Who do I talk to about my bill?

A.

Please call or text Michelle at (818) 877-4647. Or, you can email Michelle at frontoffice@divinelifetherapy.com.

Q.

What is the confidentiality policy?

A.

All therapy is confidential as long as you are not a danger to yourself or others, not gravely disabled, and not abusing children or elderly adults.

Q.

What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

A.

Despite some viewing “counseling and psychotherapy” to be the same type of treatment, counseling may be viewed as a short-term treatment that targets a specific situation or a symptom. On the other hand, psychotherapy may be viewed as a long-term treatment that involves gaining deep insight into an individual’s problems.

Q.

Should I go to a psychotherapist or psychologist?

A.

Many view the term–psychotherapist–to denote a marriage and family therapist or a psychologist. If you need help to work through issues related to emotional regulation or relationship issues, you may see yourself needing a psychotherapist, e.g., marriage and family therapist or psychologist. However, if you need someone to understand how you feel, think and behave–per a scientific approach–for managing behavior, then you need a psychologist.

Q.

Which symptom indicates that someone may need mental health treatment?

A.

 Some common symptoms that indicate you may need professional help are:

  • Struggling to work or perform your daily chores.
  • Failing to handle stress.
  • Facing difficulty in managing a healthy appetite.
  • Using alcohol or drugs to cope. 
  • Unable to focus.
  • Sleeplessness
  • Involving in risk-taking behaviors.
  • Spiritual issues 
  • Etc.

Q.

 Can a psychologist help with anxiety or depression?

A.

A reputable and experienced psychologist can help you reduce or eliminate anxiety, depression, and other symptoms after several months of psychotherapy. Some people notice improvement just after a few sessions. 

Q.

How do I know I can trust my therapist?

A.

If you think your therapist is listening to you in a non-judgemental and accepting way, he or she is a strong and stable communicator for you. If you feel his or her point makes sense, and is useful, then these are also signs that the therapist is good for you.